No plan to increase research stations in Arctic and Antarctica

Union Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences has clarified that India does not intend to increase research stations in Arctic and Antarctica.

What is the status of India’s scientific presence in Arctic and Antarctica?

Status of India’s Scientific presence in Antarctica:

India presently has two research stations at Antarctica namely ‘Maitri’ and ‘Bharati’. The new station ‘Bharati’ in Larsemann Hills has just been constructed and established in March, 2013. Maitri station has been in operation since 1989. At both the stations research and investigations are undertaken to understand the Polar processes and phenomenon. Observations and studies are carried out in atmospheric, biological, geological, ecological sciences etc.

Status of India’s Scientific presence in Arctic:

Indian station in Arcticis known as ‘Himadri’ is located at Ny Alesund, Spitsbergen Island, Norway and serves as a hub of Indian scientific investigations since 2008.